With 2024 upon us, there is plenty of anticipation for the top live music festivals scheduled throughout the year. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to get excited about upcoming events.
From star-making moments to unforgettable performances, these festivals are destined to create experiences that will live on with music lovers for years to come. Check out our list of festivals you need to put on your calendars across all genres, from rock and country to jazz and soul, and more in live music venues worldwide.
SXSW (South by Southwest) (March 2024)
Once regarded as the little festival that could, SXSW is currently one of the most celebrated in all of music. Hundreds of thousands of music fans will descend upon Austin, Texas, to experience emerging and avant-garde music worldwide. As an offering of upcoming music releases, film, and interactive media, SXSW stands unique in its approach and relevance in the industry, and in 2024, visitors can expect even more discussion panels, film showcases, and live events than ever before. Careers are made, and superstars are discovered here, and the long list of artists gracing the stages of Austin in March 2024 includes but is not limited to Dry Cleaning, Sen Morimoto, Horse Jumper of Love, Mamalarky, Bodega, Hinds, and Lo Moon. SXSW is known for always delivering a diverse lineup, so patrons can brace themselves for an electrifying talent showcase in the Spring of 2024.
Rolling Loud (March 2024)
Rolling Loud, which started as a humble concert centering on hip-hop artists, has grown over the last decade to become the world’s biggest rap festival and returns to prominence in Los Angeles in March 2024. As a cultural juggernaut, Rolling Loud has set the bar high and featured some of the most revered artists in the genre, and on its tenth anniversary, there is no exception. Headliners to commemorate a decade of Rolling Loud include Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, and Future, with a diverse lineup of local stars and Latin icons to round out the list.
Held in Inglewood at Hollywood Park, the groundbreaking festival will showcase other emerging hip-hop acts, including Mexican artists Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano, and Chino Pacas, and hip-hop performances from Rae Sremmurd, Chief Keef, Big Sean, Sexyy Red, and Flo Milli. For added measure, spectators can expect a dash of R&B as well, with Summer Walker, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Jordan Ward also added to the lineup. Rolling Loud 2024 is set to continue the festival’s reign of hip-hop nirvana.
Snowbombing (April 2024)
There are few festivals anywhere in the world that can offer the singular experience that Snowbombing does. Situated in the picturesque Austrian ski resort of Mayrhofen, Snowbombing fuses the thrill of winter sports with an impressive lineup of musicians and parties. From dancing to the break of dawn in igloos to disco DJ sets on retrofitted chairlifts, the festival remains the most distinct festival on Earth.
The lineup for Snowbombing this year includes Fatboy Slim, Andy C, Barry Can’t Swim, Chris Stussy, Confidence Man, Jayda G, Wilkinson, and many more to be announced in the coming months. With the initial wave of performers already unveiled, attendees can expect a musical experience like no other!
Coachella (April 2024)
Coachella is no longer an upstart festival, but a prevailing one — recognized as one of the best musical destinations to discover big and emerging artists. The diversity of its roster, combined with art installations and celebrity revelers, makes it a cultural phenomenon. Previous artists to grace Coachella stages include Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Radiohead, making for iconic moments in live music history.
In 2024, concert-goers can expect more surprises and collaborations. Current potential lineup performers include Cardi B, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, and Shakira, with rumors of Rihanna returning to the stage after a long hiatus and even Taylor Swift. Whoever ends up on the stage, Coachella is guaranteed to be one of the year’s must-see events.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April 2024)
The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is a musical love letter, a homage to the rich history of Louisiana’s diverse culture. Honoring the legacy of Mahalia Jackson and other icons of the genre, Jazz Fest emerged as a rich combination of gospel with the infectious joy of jazz. Now a worldwide cultural phenomenon, this festival stands at the epicenter of the state’s soul.
Spanning eight days in April, Jazz Fest will feature an illustrious mix of performers representing the intoxicating sounds of the region and beyond. Over the years, musical titans in the industry have performed in New Orleans, including H.E.R., The Lumineers, and Ed Sheeran. Attendees will get immersed in the rhythms, vibes, and flavors of Jazz Fest.
Supa Dupa Fly Santorini (May 2024)
Bringing London’s vibrant ’90s and ’00s R&B and hip-hop to the gorgeous island of Santorini, Supa Dupa Fly is a worldwide phenomenon, known for its exclusive villas, scenic locales, and stellar lineup. Across four days, attendees are treated to white sandy beaches and 12-hour parties for the ultimate sonic experience. Previous artists at Supa Dupa Fly include Emily Rawson, G Starr, TEDDY, CJ Beatz, and Miss Gower. With artists focused on house, techno, and electronic music, it’s an escape for the senses.
CMA Music Festival (June 2024)
The CMA Music Festival, spanning four unforgettable days, is an immersive celebration dedicated to the sounds of country music. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Nashville, Tennessee, this musical extravaganza will unfold from June 6th to June 9th. With a diverse lineup of talented performers, including the likes of Tyler Hubbard, Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, and Cody Johnson, attendees can expect an unparalleled experience. A four-day pass to this country music haven is available for approximately $300, offering fans the opportunity to create lasting memories in the heart of Music City.
Glastonbury Festival (June 2024)
Glastonbury Festival is more than a music festival — it’s a musical institution representing the counterculture of the 1960s in the present day. Located in the picturesque village of Pilton, Somerset, Glastonbury is one of the most dynamic forces in the music industry and boasts some of the most memorable moments in rock history. In addition to being a platform for social and political change, the event has been heralded for its massive scale, diverse roster of performers, and multidimensional areas that go beyond the traditional concert format. Now in its sixth decade of existence, those attending Glastonbury in 2024 can expect a festival loaded with historical and cultural significance and a roster of performers representing rock music’s past, present, and future.
EXIT Festival (July 2024)
EXIT is regarded as the crème de la crème of European music festivals, with nearly a quarter of a million attendees descending upon Novi Sad, Serbia, each year to participate in the ultimate concert experience. Over the years, EXIT has become known as a meeting point for not only music aficionados but also cultural advocates and people supporting transformative change worldwide. Confirmed acts for 2024 include the legendary Carl Cox, Steve Angello, Franky Wah, Rudimental, Tom Morello, The Black Eyed Peas, and many more. Visitors to the region can expect a heightened ambiance where music, culture, and advocacy align for a truly mesmerizing experience of music shows.
Sziget Festival (August 2024)
Nestled on an island in the Danube River, Budapest’s Sziget Festival is a week-long celebration of music, art, and culture that entices attendees from across Europe and beyond. The festival’s name translates to “island” in Hungarian, aptly reflecting its unique location on the Danube. Situated near the city center, Budapest is easily accessible by various flights, offering festival-goers a chance to explore the vibrant city during the day. The festival boasts an incredible lineup with renowned artists like Martin Garrix, Sam Smith, Stormzy, and more, making it a must-attend Budapest bonanza.
Riot Fest (September 2024)
Riot Fest is a concert experience that offers three full days of punk rock at Douglas Park in Chicago. It typically draws hardcore punk music fans from every corner of the globe. Riot Fest is one of the few festivals in the world that presents punk music and all of its many subgenres with a diverse lineup. Past artists at Riot Fest include Turnstile, Pennywise, and Steel Pulse.
Riot Fest acts as an informal ambassador of punk culture, creating an inclusive and thrilling environment where punk fans immerse themselves in the genre against the backdrop of Chicago’s musical landscape. This September, attendees can take in performances by acclaimed acts such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ice Cube, Placebo, Sleater-Kinney, and Jimmy Eat World.
2024 Promises to be a Stellar Year for Music Festivals
2024 promises to be a great year for memorable festival experiences worldwide. From Glastonbury to Riot Fest, SXSW to Sziget, the diversity fans can expect is immense, offering a distinct celebration of artistry and culture. All of these festivals bring more than just music to the table, combining an appreciation and respect for artistry and humanity that uniquely connects them all. Live musical festivals are the perfect destination for fans to embrace their favorite artists while creating new memories to last a lifetime.
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